Introduction
It is important that all organizations ensure that their employees are safe as they discharge their duties in the organization. The organizations should work hard to ensure they minimize threats that may cause accidents in the workplace. Accidents in the workplace will affect both the employer and the employee.
The employer is likely to be sued and also incur very high insurance costs. On the other hand, the employee may sustain serious injuries. There should be a well designed strategy to reduce workplace accidents. It should then be fully implemented and managed effectively (Schwind, Das & Wagar 2010).
Strategy to reduce workplace accidents
There are various strategies that can be used to reduce workplace accidents. However, it is important that the organization develop a strategy that will be convenient. Research has shown that most accidents in the workplace can be avoided if proper mechanisms have been put in place.
The research further shows that poor working conditions only contribute to about 15% of accidents in the workplace. 80% of accidents in the workplace are caused by carelessness and poor work habits practiced by the employees (Hopwood & Thompson 2006).
Using checklists to reduce workplace accidents
This is a simple method that can be used to reduce workplace accidents in any organization. However, it will require full implementation if it is work effectively. The following are some of the ways the checklist can be used to reduce accidents in the workplace.
Employee orientation
Whenever a new employee joins the organization, the human resource department should ensure that they receive proper training on safety practices while in organization. Here, the checklist will be used to ensure that all new employees have been properly oriented before they can assume their duties. The checklist also comes in handy whenever an employee gets promoted. The employees after going through proper orientation will sign the checklist. The copies should be kept safely.
Inspection
Checklists are to be used whenever an inspection is conducted in the workplace. Sometimes employees will tend to be careless after working in the same department for some time. Inspections done using a checklist will ensure that all procedures are followed in the workplace. This checklist will be signed by all parties and be properly documented. After proper documentation, the findings must be shared with the employees.
Implementation
After developing the strategy, it is important that the strategy be implemented fully. It is important to make sure that the checklists are produced in such a way that they cover all the important areas. The employees handling the checklist should receive proper training to ensure they fill the checklists as required. The checklists should be filed in a safe environment.
This will help the organization to once in a while review the checklists to improve the safety practices in the workplace. Employees who are constantly violating the safety procedures in the organization should face disciplinary action. The employees should be informed on how the checklist strategy will work to ensure that they have a safe working environment.
Conclusion
Employee safety in the workplace should always come first. The strategy employed to reduce workplace accidents should be effective and should be able to cover all loopholes that might cause accidents. The checklist strategy covers all these areas and is easy to use. It might however, require that the people handling the checklists to be well trained. This in the end will guarantee a safer environment that is accident free.
Reference
Hopwood, D., & Thompson, S. (2006). Workplace safety a guide for small and midsized companies. Hoboken, NJ: Wiley.
Schwind, H. F., Das, H., & Wagar, T. H. (2010). Canadian human resource management: a strategic approach. Whitby, Ont.: McGraw-Hill Ryerson.